HomeAbout UsDivisionsFisheriesProceedings of the National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers Bhubaneswar, 4 – 5 July 2009

Proceedings of the National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers Bhubaneswar, 4 – 5 July 2009

Inaugural Session:

The National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers was inaugurated by Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on 4th July 2009 at Bhubaneswar. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik was the Chief Guest and Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by seven state fisheries ministers from States of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and UT of Puducherry representative from the states of Assam, Mizoram, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also attended the Conference.

Shri Tarun Shridhar, Joint Secretary (Fisheries), DADF delivered the welcome address. He stated that this conference was an important step to review the activities of fisheries sector and make a strategic plan and a road map to achieve the targeted fish production. A sub-committee set up on fisheries under the chairmanship of Shri Kiranmoy Nanda, Minister of fisheries, Government of West Bengal has recommended for restructuring of fisheries schemes of the NFDB. The government is actively considering implementation of these recommendations. In his address, he touched upon some major issues to tap the unused potential in the sector such as greater value from the fisheries products, appropriate steps to enhance production and productivity and insurance coverage. He also stressed upon the fact that the ponds and reservoirs can easily be improved with small interventions and there are huge potential in both domestic and international markets for the sector to be taped in the near future.

Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) stated that the target for the Eleventh Five Year Plan was production of 10 million tones of fish. He emphasized upon the crucial parameter for inclusive growth such as prices, issues of HRD, processing, product development, storage, transportation, market trade for the sector. He stressed on the development of value chain from production to consumption. He stated that there has been a nine fold increase in production of fisheries in the last 50 years in comparison to 4 times in cereals, during this period. The sector however was still lagging behind in production of quality seed and brood stock development. Some of the major issues affecting the fisheries sector were unexploited potential in coldwater fisheries, cage culture, exploitation of coastal zone, management of water bodies, genetic variability. He mentioned ICAR initiatives in frontier areas like allele mining and bio-prospecting to meet the challenges of climate change, feed development from indigenous products, etc. as also the two national level network projects on fish seed and feed to provide necessary technical as well as input supply support to the sector. He highlighted the underutilized potential of coldwater fisheries and suggested that a change in the mode of functioning of the National Research Centre on Coldwater Fisheries into a Directorate which was needed to address the concerns in different parts of the country. The cage culture and mariculture in the seas offered an enormous opportunity, but the present leasing system is not supportive to the farmers which required to be suitably devised. He also mentioned about the improved Jayanti, rohu developed by ICAR which can increase the pond productivity by 50 per cent.

Dr. S. Ayyappan, DDG (Fisheries), ICAR presented an overview of Indian fisheries sector in the perspective of the Eleventh Five Year Plan highlighting issues, constraints, achievements and opportunities. He highlighted issues of open access fisheries in marine sector, deep sea fisheries, island fisheries, water management, organic aquaculture, customized cold chain, disaster management, climate change, food safety and quality assurance. The mentioned effect of climate change on fisheries which will increase temperature and may lead to early maturity and breeding of fishes this required for further analysis. He pointed out new avenues in mariculture, large scale cage culture, seed and leasing policy, biosecure system for producing disease-free seed, etc. He highlighted strength and opportunities of the sector in coming years and emphasized the need for treating aquaculture at par with agriculture.

The publications of CIFA, CIFRI and NFDB were released.

Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution pointed out that there was wide gap among states in terms of fisheries development. There was a need to identify critical success factors and road maps for intervention in areas of technology. State specific solutions were required. Schemes and guidelines of NFDB have been modified in a proactive manner. He requested the states to access funding from various schemes. He further emphasized that the transfer of technology from lab to land is required to the stepped up to make the technology available to the farmers.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Orissa and Chief Guest of the occasion expressed his happiness for selecting Bhubaneswar as the venue for such an important meeting. He flagged issues such as the need of creation of employment opportunities, reduction of post harvest losses, capacity building of fishermen, development of domestic markets, construction of fishing harbors, optimum exploitation of marine sector and proactive national effort for enforcing policy for augmenting production. He emphasized that the latest technologies should be accessible to the fish farmers through centre and state coordination. State Governments should work in close collaboration with CIFA to develop state fisheries sectors.

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, in his inaugural address, stated that the objective of the Conference was to develop a road map for enhancing the country’s annual fish production to 10 million metric tonnes by the end of the Eleventh Five Year Plan. In addition to meeting the domestic demand, it would be necessary to explore ways to enhance our export earning potential in terms of value added products and ornamental fish trade. India has made significant progress in different segments of fisheries such as marine capture fisheries, coastal aquaculture, inland capture fisheries and freshwater aquaculture, resulting in an annual fish production of over 7 million tonnes. Indian fisheries have continued to make significant contribution to nutritional security in the country. He informed that the marine fish catch from the open seas has stagnated since the last decade and the fishery was still restricted to the near-shore areas. On the other hand, the production from aquaculture in the country has been showing an impressive annual growth rate of over 6 per cent thus underscoring the increasing importance of the sector. The overwhelming growth in aquaculture has placed the country as the second largest aquaculture producer of fish in the world.

Shri Pawar observed that though significant development has been witnessed in the fishing industry during last five decades in the country with regard to improvement and modernization of boats, fishing gear, enhancing fishing capacity, improving the working conditions of fishermen, a paradigm shift would be necessary from increasing marine fish production to increasing profitability and sustaining the marine fishery resources through management interventions and effective participation of all stakeholders. Open sea cage farming, use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), artificial reefs, etc. are the alternate methods to enhance fish production from the marine capture fisheries. Management measures to reduce the fishing pressure in the seas should be developed in close consultation with stakeholders and should be implemented in letter and spirit for the larger benefit of the sector and those dependant upon it for their livelihoods. He expressed happiness while noting that several states were effectively implementing the Marine Fisheries Regulations and the new international Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Shri Pawar touched upon the significance of study of climate change to overcome its adverse impact on all spheres of our life including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry and the general health of the people to take appropriate remedial actions.

The Hon’ble Minister informed that States like Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana were taking up aquaculture in a big way, along with traditional aquaculture states such as West Bengal, Orissa and Assam. He was optimistic about the scope for increasing fish production through freshwater aquaculture. By increasing the coverage of water area and aiming at higher productivity, it is projected that the total production from the freshwater aquaculture sector could be about 5.3 million tonnes in next five years. The Minister called upon the members present from all states and union territories to bring in more and more water bodies under aquaculture practices and also to increase the productivity of water bodies through scientific management and inputs, of course with equal emphasis on our environment, equity and biodiversity. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ambekar E. Eknath, Director CIFA, Bhubaneswar.

Technical Session:

The technical session was chaired by Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Dr. P. Krishnaiah, CE, NFDB presented broad strategies for the development of the fisheries sector in India. He highlighted the need for intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, reservoir fisheries development, coastal aquaculture, revival of shrimp culture & diversification, coldwater fisheries, mission mode approach, intensive district development plans, resource mobilization, increased role of private sector, human resource development and need for policy interventions. He stressed upon the state or region-specific strategies for development, e.g. development of saline areas of Haryana, stocking in reservoirs, reservoir fisheries and cage culture, state wise seed action plan, setting of new feed mills, resource mobilization, development of the private sector in fisheries, domestic marketing, crop insurance and credit, intensive district development plan, utilizing various schemes like DAHD&F schemes, NFDB, RKVY, etc.

Dr. G. Syda Rao, Director, CMFRI presented the status of marine fisheries in India while marine fisheries have performed well, there is still a scope for better management in areas like fisheries prediction, re-visit CCRF to suit to changing local conditions, introduction of catch quotas, introduction of eco-labeling, introduction of ecosystem based fisheries management (EBFM), better monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and vessel monitoring system (VMS). He further proposed interventions in terms of introduction of total allowable catch (TAC), setting of annual catch levels (ACL) for important resources for sustainability, implementation of mesh-size regulations to reduce the exploitation of juveniles, reduction of discards through targeted fishery, introduction of log sheets for mechanized vessels, encouragement of exploitation of oceanic stocks such as tunas, squids, pelagic sharks, etc. by introducing high capacity vessels with storage and processing facility, conversion of existing trawlers to long-liners for the exploitation of oceanic resources and introduction of marketing chains through co-operative sector. He stressed that mariculture is a growing area of interest for the country and suggested a number of measures such as to improve the mariculture.

Shri Tarun Shridhar, Joint Secretary (Fisheries), DADF stressed upon development of the production and marketing of hygienic products. Domestic consumers needed greater attention. Decisions on introduction of exotic species have to be taken sooner rather than later. Food safety and availability of fish were also vital. He further announced that NFDB would establish clean, hygienic model fish retail outlets in each state with 100 per cent financial assistance. He also stated that the NFDB would provide 100 per cent fund for the modernization of the fishing harbours in the country.

Shri Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Government of Orissa pointed out that there is great scope for development of the freshwater prawn production in the saline areas of Haryana and diversification of mariculture and sea bass culture in cages. He stressed upon some of the issues like enactment of the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, leasing policy for terrestrial water bodies, quality control in landing centers, infrastructure development at landing centres and uniform policy for sustainable fishing. He requested the Ministry to take necessary steps in these regard.

Dr. Damodar Rout, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resource Development, Orissa pointed out that the fishing operations have changed with the modernization and higher investment in the sector. Hence, the traditional fishermen should be provided with relief. He also emphasized that all the tanks under the control of the Panchayats should also be brought under scientific aquaculture to improve the production and productivity of the fisheries in Orissa. He stressed upon the need to devise scientific approach for enhancement of production and productivity. Lack of proper communication facilities in rural areas has been a major constraint for the market development of the fisheries sector in Orissa which required serious attention from the government.

Shri M.K. Parthasarathi, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Andhra Pradesh highlighted the progress made by his state in fisheries development. He urged the Government of India to provide transportation facilities for diversification of tuna fisheries. He proposed that 10 per cent of annual produce should go for sea ranching and requested for providing funds for developing fingerlings in river banks to minimize the gap between demand and supply of fingerlings. He also proposed development of new schemes for digging of fish ponds and setting of modernized markets. Most importantly, fish culture should be treated at par with agriculture and the revenue should not attract any taxation. Immediate importance should be given to the wellbeing of fishermen. Pension to fishermen should be provided by the central government.

Shri C.S. Sahu, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Chhattisgarh also stressed on the need to treat aquaculture at par with agriculture. He wanted fishermen to become self dependent. He presented an overview of the aquaculture development in Chhattisgarh.

Shri Kiranmoy Nanda, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, West Bengal gave an overview of the fisheries sector development in the State of West Bengal. He emphasized on the practical and flexible approach to import non-carnivorous ornamental fish. He highlighted the need to the ox-bow lakes and derelict water bodies and stressed that all aquatic plants and animals should be governed by fisheries department. He proposed for subsidy on fertilizer for fisheries sector and demanded that the disease free Penaeous monodon seed should be made available to the farmers.

Shri M. Krishna Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Puducherry briefed about the developmental plan in the UT. He pointed out the difficulties faced by the non-harmonious fishing ban between Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. During the 45 days ban on fishing, the fishers were provided with ` 750 and 100 kg of rice. The UT is also providing ` 750 per month for fishers aged above 50 years. He advocated for giving 100 per cent grants for jetties and also to introduce Minimum Support Price (MSP) for fish and uniform ban period for fishing in the region.

Shri A. K. Mondal, Hon’ble Minister for Meghalaya requested for setting up at least one hatchery and one fish seed farm in each district and proposed two research centres and pisciculture training institutes and exposure trips for the fish farmers. He also requested for arranging big conventions for fisheries development in his state. He requested the Centre to give direction to the banks to provide credit expeditiously. He emphasized the need for giving grants for fishermen community development of fishermen and technical assistance from ICAR.

Shri A. V. Asnotikar, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Karnataka presented an overview of the fisheries development in the state. He emphasized the need for more quality fish seed, expansion of breeding season, online registration for fishing vessels with 100 per cent assistance from centre, harbour development, etc. He requested for the development of break waters to avoid silt deposits in the banks.

The representative from the Government of Jharkhand stated that his state was self-sufficient in fish seed production. He announced that an MoU has been signed with the Department of Water Resources for use of reservoirs for fisheries development. He stressed on the need for making aquaculture at par with agriculture. Training to fish farmers, access to credit and central institute window in each state needed support from the union government.

The representative of Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director of Fisheries, drew attention towards developing sustainable leasing policy for reservoirs. Most hill stream species are on the verge of extinction because of water shortage. He also requested that the fisheries professionals should be authorized to prescribe medicines for fish diseases and the fish meal should be screened for all viruses. He further requested Government of India to support establishing pearl farms in Himachal Pradesh. Feeds based on local ingredients for trout farming should be worked out.

Shri R.N. Choudhary, Director (Fisheries), Bihar stated that his state is deficient in seed production. He wanted aquaculture to be at par with agriculture. Cluster approach and long term leasing of ox-bow lakes are two important strategies for the development of the wetlands in Bihar. He requested for support for establishing one seed farm in each district to make seed available to all fish farmers.

Shri P.K. Borthakur, Secretary, Fisheries, Assam informed that the growth rate of fisheries in his state was 8.4 per cent last year. The state has developed a clear leasing policy for beels for a fixed tenure of 7 years and has proposed development of ecotourism. He emphasized on greater content of fisheries in KVKs He pointed out the problems in insurance policy where there is no compensation for partial loss. He suggested that the ICAR should adopt one block for demonstration of latest technology and state can help to promote lab-to-land programme.

Dr. Salim Sultan, Jt. Director (Fisheries), Uttar Pradesh, stressed on the need for development of a unified policy on pond improvement. He also requested NFDB to provide funds for critical gaps to make state-specific plan. He desired extension work through ICAR, for which the Chairman pointed out that ICAR could not work at each and every place of the country and states could send the officials to ICAR Institutes for training.

The representative from Maharashtra presented an overview of the fisheries development in his state. He wanted Government of India to provide fund for construction of jetties and landing centres and schemes submitted to GOI should be approved quickly. The Chairman suggested that proposal should be submitted though RKVY for better access to funds. The Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra emphasized the need for the security measures for fishermen. He also stated that his government proposes to bring a Bill to prevent faulty fishing and violation of any regulation by farmers.

Dr. M.V. Gupta, Ex ADG, World Fish Centre and World Food Prize laureate showed concern on the gap between the technologies developed at the institutes and the actual production at the farm level. He narrated a successful case where 80 hatcheries have been established in one district of Bangladesh and emphasized on supply of quality seed. He cautioned the house to be careful about introduction of exotic fish species, as it should be examined whether already existing exotic species are really damaging the environment, if not, then those species should be legalized for the benefits of fish farming communities. Livelihoods of fishermen should be looked into in any plan for sectoral development. The fishermen community should be trained to produce stunted fingerlings at reservoir side to make advanced fingerlings available.

Shri L. Rynjah, Principal Adviser, Planning Commission, Government of India urged that the states should provide more funds to fisheries sector particularly under RKVY. The Chairman pointed out that the possibility of funds being earmarked for fisheries development under RKVY will be examined by the Ministry. Ms. Leena Nair, Chairperson, MPEDA stressed on the need to augment quantity and quality of catch she wanted sustained fishing as against intense fishing. She highlighted the need to promote deep sea fishing and to combat decline in shrimp export due to disease and antibiotics residual problems. Subsidy provided by MPEDA should be availed by the state governments. She emphasized on the need for stringent rule for hatcheries on introduction of exotics, bridging the gaps in legislation, enactment of the seed act as in agriculture, etc. The traceability and eco-labeling from hatchery to final product are the new trade issues which required attention. The status of hygiene at the fishing harbours and landing centre should also be looked into. Presently, only 20 per cent capacity of cold storage utilized and therefore there is a requirement for more emphasis on processing. She stressed that the process of registration of coastal aquaculture ponds should be completed as soon as possible. She also drew attention towards allowing introduction of Litopenaeous vannamei. She was of the opinion that existing stock should be destroyed and the quarantined stock should be allowed for import. The Chairman asked the Chairperson, MPEDA for a note on the matter. Ms. Nair also drew attention towards some other issues like traceability of trawlers and registration of the fishing vessels, popularization of ornamental fisheries as export commodity and inadequate insurance coves good aquaculture practices (GAP) to avoid rejection in the export market. She emphasized the need to set up a system to take care of the issue of delay in the testing and retesting of the export commodity.

The valedictory session of the Conference was chaired by Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

In his address, Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) stressed upon the important roles to be played by the transgenic in coming times, development of HRD by ICAR Institutes and SAUs as they have already grown into a big network over a period of time. He also pointed out that there was no restriction of choosing the subject matter specialists in KVKs, as these decisions are delegated to the local management.

Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated that investment was fundamental for the growth of the sector, and hence the Union Government has modified the centrally sponsored schemes and the schemes of the NFDB to make it easier to access financial assistance. For adequate resources to flow, an enabling policy environment was needed. Hence, the Model Bill for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture has been finalized which would be useful for the states in amending their own Acts. He also highlighted the important issue of welfare of fishermen and steps taken by the Central Government in this regards. The unit cost of construction of fishermen houses has gone up from ` 40,000 per house to ` 50,000. The sum assured for group accident insurance has also gone up from ` 50,000 to ` 100,000. The quantum of relief under Saving-cum–Relief is ` 1200 now over and above ` 600, which is the contribution of fishermen. He urged the states to provide adequate funds in their own budgets towards state’s contribution and access resources available for the fishermen welfare under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. For capacity building, funds and also available under the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen and NFDB which should be properly utilized. With regard to the coastal waters, he urged MPEDA and NFDB to develop a plan jointly in consultation with FSI and CMFRI for development of tuna fisheries. He announced that in this regard, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has recently formed a committee to reassess our marine resources in the EEZ. Finally he urged all stakeholders to resolve various outstanding issues concerning code of conduct for responsible fisheries, uniform fishing ban etc. in cooperation with state and central government.

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Chairman of the Conference, in his valedictory address listed the decisions taken in the Conference on which follow-up actions were required.

Several states had raised the demand for either 100 per cent funding or increased funding for most of the schemes. He assured all possible efforts to increase the level of funding in important areas of development. He however emphasized that fisheries is a state subject and it is the primary responsibility of the states to make adequate investment in the sector. While increase in the level of financial support either through the centrally sponsored schemes or through the National Fisheries Development Board will ensured, the states should not abdicate their responsibility and impress upon their governments for allocating reasonable financial resources for fisheries development programmes.

Sustainable exploitation of marine resources and conservation of marine biodiversity was critical which have rightly been flagged. All the states and union territories have enacted their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts which address the issue of sustainability and conservation within their territorial waters. However, implementation of these regulations are either not uniform or needed to be harmonized with a greater sense of purpose. He urged all coastal states and union territories to implement the provision of marine regulation acts in letter and spirit. He appreciated the suggestion that the ban imposed on fishing should be uniform in both east and west coast. While the period of the ban will necessarily vary on account of distinct characteristics and breeding habits of species. The number of days of the ban should be the same in both the areas to avoid poaching or other illegal fishing activities. He directed the Department to have a consultation with fisheries experts and to come up with suggested course of action in the matter within three months.

All the states had overwhelmingly supported the proposal to take up pilot projects for mariculture. With the view to take the suggestion forward. He directed the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to initiate pilot projects on mariculture in all coastal states on priority. At the same time, mariculture as large scale activities can progress only when the states come out with progressive policies for allocation of rights of the coastal waters. One alternative could be to allow permission to the local cooperative societies of fishermen to take up commercial mariculture either by themselves or in association with corporate bodies.

Associated with this is the issue of exploitation of deep sea fisheries resources which would also ease pressure on coastal waters. He informed that the Government of India has drafted a comprehensive legislation for regulation of fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This legislation would also cover, in comprehensive manner, the entire gamut of management of marine resources. The draft legislation will be circulated very shortly and valuable suggestions from the state governments will be incorporated in the final draft.

There was a need for creation of more fisheries harbours and landing centers. Similarly, up gradation and renovation of existing harbours and landing centres and creation of good post harvest facilities with a view to meet global export standards were also impressed upon by the states. He informed that Government of India provides 100 per cent financial assistance for construction of major harbours and the level of central assistance for minor fishing harbours and landing centres has been increased from 50 to 75 per cent . With this liberal pattern of financial assistance He expected states to come out with proposals for extensive coverage of landing facilities. Liberal funding is also provided for creation of post harvest facilities; since everyone had rightly expressed concern over the poor hygienic conditions in our landing centres, He announced that henceforth NFDB would provide 100 per cent assistance for modernization of facilities at important fish harbours and landing centres. States are expected to take initiative and ensure a turn around of the condition existing today. However, this assistance will be provided only if a sound system and structure for management and operation of harbours is put in place. This will also address the issue of competitiveness of our exports and meet the standards of importing countries.

Availability of good quality seed was a matter of concern which everyone was shared by everyone. He promised to support both financially and technically the efforts of the states for setting up as many hatcheries and nurseries as are required. To meet these objectives NFDB was directed to provide financial assistance up to 90 per cent. This would include renovation and revival of existing hatcheries. However, mere construction of hatcheries does not guarantee quality, and therefore seed certification was essential. He informed that a detailed document on Seed Certification and Hatchery Accreditation will be circulated shortly. He requested all to adopt the document as a uniform national policy and guidelines on seed certification.

Aquaculture insurance was emphasized by everyone. He agreed to the need for a sound insurance cover which would provide much needed comfort to the sector. The insurance cover would also solve the problem of access to credit to a large extent. He directed the NFDB to prepare a detailed scheme for providing insurance cover to aquaculture farmers and underwrite a part of the insurance premium in such a way that all our aquaculture farms come under insurance cover in the shortest possible time.

One suggestion which came from almost all states was to have schemes which would be state and region specific. He informed that the Central Government through the centrally sponsored scheme and the schemes of NDFB would support innovative projects and activities provided they satisfy the criteria of enhancing fish production and productivity.

The reach and scope of aquaculture was immense and strategies for enhancement of production and productivity will have to be primarily aquaculture dependent. A model Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill has been drafted which would be circulated to the states after getting clearance from the Ministry of Law. He expected each state to enact their Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Act in line with the model Bill, so that a uniform strategy for development of inland fisheries and aquaculture in the country could be put in place. .

Capacity building is an important area and support for training programme for fisheries professional, farmers and entrepreneurs was needed. He assured of full support in this regard while NFDB had circulated their annual plan of training, they could also go beyond the plan but initiatives needed to come from the states to sponsor adequate number of candidates. The National Fisheries Cooperative Federation has been conducting training programmes of fishermen all across the country. The DAHDF is considering nominating it as a nodal institution for capacity building of fishermen. The states should project their training requirement to the fisheries cooperative federation who would draw up a calendar of programmes and try to organize training modules in the states and as far as possible within the fishermen communities.

The suggestion of the states to consider treating aquaculture at par with agriculture was rational and deserved consideration. However, this required further examination in Government of India in consultation with other Ministries and Departments. Meanwhile He appeal to the states to consider revision of power tariff and water rates for aquaculture and bring it on the lines of agriculture as these are within the domain of the state governments.

While the allocation of RKVY funds to the fisheries sector has not been adequate in most cases, it is necessary that viable fisheries projects are designed in order to access RKVY funds. He promised to take the issue of earmarking funds for fisheries sector in the RKVY resources with the Planning Commission.

There was an urgent need to establish clean and hygienic domestic markets; at least one in each state to popularize the concept of clean markets and to promote domestic consumption. He urged states to give a proposal in this regard as early as possible for which NFDB would provide the required funds.

Ornamental fisheries have a great potential to provide livelihood opportunities as well as market potential. Keeping in view the importance of ornamental fisheries, NFDB will henceforth provide financial support for establishing ornamental fisheries hatcheries as well as production.

Management of aquatic health was extremely critical and He shared this concern for putting in place a dependable infrastructure for dealing with fish diseases and ensuring overall health and quality of aquatic animals. He wanted states to set up diagnostic laboratories for which NFDB would provide necessary support. Similarly, use of antibiotics in the fish feed and the generally poor quality of feed needed to be attended to. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority should take up the task of formulating the composition and standards of fish feed and thereafter ensure that these standards are adhered to.

The issue of safe and secure introduction of Litopenaeous vannamei was raised by chairperson MPEDA. He informed that this species was introduced on a pilot and trial basis about six years back. Now that commercial farming of L. vannamei has been allowed, the existing brood stock, seed or the farmed animals will have to be destroyed by the trial farms before they introduce the new brood stock or seed in the same farms or hatcheries which have undertaken the trial project. He requested the states to ensure that no illegal farming of L. vannamei took place and to ensure destruction of any such illegal stocks immediately so that the biosecurity issues are adequately addressed. Coastal Aquaculture Authority is expected to closely monitor and supervise this activity.

While fish is usually treated as a commodity for which ways and means to enhance production and productivity needed to be explored, we should not forget the welfare of fishermen considering their vast numbers in the country and the poor socio-economic conditions they face. Welfare of fishermen is a concern which was raised by many. Hence, our efforts needed to be accelerated towards ensuring a dignified life to fishermen. Prof K V Thomas, union minister of state for agriculture had also highlighted the issue in his address. He directed the ICAR to carry out an intensive and comprehensive study and survey of the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen so that we develop a national policy on welfare of fishermen based on reliable data. The Chairman expressed his happiness over the interactions during the Conference and hoped that we would achieve the objective of enhancing country’s fish production to 10 million tonnes by the end of the Eleventh Five Year Plan will be attached The valedictory session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. Ayyappan, DDG (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi.

National Conference of State Fisheries Ministers, 4-5 July, 2009, Bhubaneswar